A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client prescribed betamethasone for chronic osteoarthritis. Which of the following statements by the client indicates understanding of the teaching?
"I can experience harmless, black-colored stools while taking this medication."
"I will eat a low-potassium diet while taking this medication."
"I will protect my adrenal glands by taking this medication every other day."
"I can achieve the best effectiveness by taking this medication before bedtime."
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Black-colored stools can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a potential side effect of corticosteroids like betamethasone. It is not considered harmless and should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately.
Choice B reason: A low-potassium diet is not specifically required for clients taking betamethasone. Corticosteroids can cause potassium loss, so it is important to monitor potassium levels, but not necessarily restrict intake unless directed by the healthcare provider.
Choice C reason: The correct answer is c because taking corticosteroids like betamethasone every other day can help reduce the risk of adrenal suppression, a common side effect of long-term corticosteroid use. This dosing schedule allows the adrenal glands to recover and maintain their function.
Choice D reason: Taking betamethasone before bedtime is not specifically recommended for its effectiveness. The dosing schedule should be based on the healthcare provider's instructions and tailored to the client's condition and response to the medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Brudzinski's sign is an indicator of meningitis, where flexion of the neck causes involuntary flexion of the hips and knees. This sign is not related to hypocalcemia and is more specific to central nervous system infections.
Choice B reason: Chvostek's sign is a clinical sign of hypocalcemia. It is elicited by tapping on the facial nerve in front of the ear, which causes twitching of the facial muscles. This sign indicates neuromuscular irritability due to low calcium levels and is a key indicator for diagnosing hypocalcemia.
Choice C reason: Cullen's sign is a superficial edema and bruising in the subcutaneous fatty tissue around the umbilicus. It is associated with acute pancreatitis and intra-abdominal bleeding, not hypocalcemia. Therefore, it is not an appropriate sign to monitor for in clients with hypocalcemia.
Choice D reason: Kernig's sign is another indicator of meningitis. It involves pain and resistance to knee extension when the hip is flexed. Like Brudzinski's sign, it is specific to meningitis and is not related to hypocalcemia. Monitoring for this sign would not be relevant for a client with low calcium levels.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Russell's traction involves the use of a sling under the knee to apply a pulling force on the femur. This helps in aligning and stabilizing the fractured femur, allowing for proper healing. The sling supports the leg, while weights provide the necessary traction force.
Choice B reason: A cervical halter is used in cervical traction to relieve muscle spasms and align the cervical spine, not in Russell's traction. This type of traction is not related to treating femur fractures.
Choice C reason: A pelvic girdle belt is used in pelvic traction to relieve lower back pain and stabilize pelvic fractures, not in Russell's traction. Russell's traction specifically pertains to femur fractures.
Choice D reason: Skeletal pins are used in skeletal traction, where pins are inserted into the bone to apply direct traction. Russell's traction, however, does not use skeletal pins; it uses a sling and weights to apply traction.
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